Newmont tops profit estimates on higher gold prices, sees steady output

Gold has rallied on safe-haven demand and hopes of US interest rate cuts, although a stronger dollar and a crude oil-led inflation scare amid the Iran war have occasionally limited gains.

Prices of the yellow metal averaged $4 506.41/oz in the second quarter, up about 37% from a year earlier.

Newmont's quarterly average realized price for gold was at $4 414/oz, compared with $3 320/oz a year ago.

Quarterly gold production fell to 1.29-million ounces, from 1.48-million ounces a year earlier, hurt by lower output at Cadia owing to seismic events and at Ahafo South, Penasquito and Yanacocha owing to lower grades from planned mine sequencing.

Earlier this month, Newmont said the expansion of its Red Chris mine in British Columbia would depend on whether the project fits within its capital allocation framework and delivers value accretion.

CEO Natascha Viljoen said on Thursday Newmont has received all critical approvals and is working with the British Columbia government on mining investment terms.

But the C$500-million ($355.09-million) support "that we received from the British Columbia government is not a pre-requisite for us to take a decision on Red Chris Mine," she said.

The company expects third-quarter gold production to be broadly in line with second-quarter output. Operations at Cadia returned to normal levels as of mid-June.

Newmont said unit costs are expected to increase in the third quarter, mainly owing to higher sustaining capital spend, and could also be affected by higher oil prices, while remaining sensitive to royalties tied to gold prices.

The miner expects to invest $1.4-billion of development capital in 2026.

Newmont posted an adjusted profit of $2.10 apiece for the quarter ended June 30, compared with analysts' average estimate of $1.99, according to data compiled by LSEG.